Bathgate’s £9.million state of the art swimming complex has officially opened its doors.
A special ceremony took place on Friday May 28 where Jim Walker, Executive councillor for culture and leisure, cut a ribbon to officially open the new complex.
He was joined by Stewart Harris from sportscotland, representatives from West Lothian Leisure and community groups.
West Lothian Council provided the majority of the £9.million for the overall project, with West Lothian Leisure providing £1.6 million and sportscotland contributing £800,000 towards the total cost.
The new centre at Bathgate Sports Centre in Balbardie Park, includes a six lane, 25-metre swimming pool, a 10 metre teaching pool, new sports changing accommodation, sauna, steam room, pitch improvements and new office accommodation.
Jim Walker is a Director on West Lothian Leisure’s board and Executive councillor for Culture and Leisure.
He said: “ It gives me great pleasure to open the new centre, which highlights our continuing commitment to provide quality leisure facilities for all age groups in West Lothian.
" In opening the new centre, we aim to create a centre of sporting excellence in Balbardie Park for the enjoyment of the local community.
He added: “ Bathgate is currently undergoing a huge amount of investment that will result in fantastic community facilities, which will benefit local people for generations to come.
“ The old pool served the community well for nearly 76 years but it was time for a change and this fantastic new facility will be warmly welcomed by everyone.”
Robin Strang, General Manager of West Lothian Leisure, added:
“ It will provide a wider leisure experience for the entire family, with not only the new swimming complex but the existing gym, fitness classes, racquet sports arena, football courts (indoor and outdoor), nine hole golf course, indoor bowling, soft play area, and kids activities.
“ The main pool is of competition standard and will be ideal for Galas and local swimming clubs to help enhance kid’s development and the potential of Scottish Swimming. The facilities will be fully accessible by all whether your aim is fun, health and fitness or excellence. Under 5’s and over 60’s who are resident in West Lothian can swim for free, and free swimming sessions are available for children during school holidays.”
Stewart Harris, Chief Executive of sportscotland said: “Bathgate’s new pool and outdoor changing facility will be a fantastic asset to the local area, providing more and better opportunities for the residents of West Lothian to take part in healthy, active lives.
“The centre at Bathgate is a great example of sports development at community level which is why sportscotland awarded £800,000 from the Sports Facilities Fund to the project. Linking new and established venues to meet the evolving needs of local people ensures that sport remains at the very heart of the community.”
Bert McCulloch, Contracts Director for GRAHAM Construction who delivered the £9 million building, said: “The new swimming complex is a fantastic facility that will provide the local and wider community with access to state-of-the-art facilities.
“ We are delighted to have played a role in the delivery of the complex and it has also allowed us to continue our relationship with West Lothian Council, having completed in 2008 the refurbishment and extension of Linlithgow Academy.”